WIDE DAYS is set to return to Edinburgh on 30 April – 1 May, with a fresh format featuring a one-day conference, pop-up activities and an enhanced package for artists participating in the talent development programme. In addition, registered delegates will have the opportunity to book a place on a pre-event, online workshop covering key elements of sync.
The conference will take place at The Pleasance and features panels, workshops and the popular 15 Minutes Of Knowledge strand, which covers a broad range of music-related topics. A dedicated area will be available for one-to-one meetings, which delegates can book in advance. Accreditation also covers access to the showcases on both nights.
These will feature acts from Scotland chosen by a diverse panel of selectors to participate in a 12-month talent development programme or the New From Scotland strand, which are both now open for applications. All artists will benefit from bespoke meetings with industry delegates hosted on 29 April and a special lunch to connect with musicians invited through international partnerships.
Key information about showcase opportunities:
Talent Development Programme – four acts will be selected to benefit from a year-round programme, including a package of support and development (Two artist mentoring days and one online mentoring session, quarterly development meetings, mentoring with an industry figure based on their priorities, bespoke 1-2-1 meeting programme with international delegates at WD26, artist networking brunch and live photos), as well as a showcase as part of the convention. The programme is designed to help artists become fully export ready.
Deadline – 21st November, 11:59pm
Showcase lineup – Acts will be selected to showcase on the Thursday and Friday night of Wide Days as part of a multi-venue lineup open to delegates and the public. Artists will also get free access to the conference programme.
Deadline – 27th February, 11:59pm
Full details and the application forms can be found here.
This year’s convention sees the introduction of a limited number of Next Generation tickets for emerging professionals and artists starting out in their careers. These are now on sale at an introductory rate of £30, while an early bird pass is currently available for £45.
Olaf Furniss, Wide Days founder and director of Wide Events CIC, says: “Pausing this year’s convention allowed us to expand the offer to artists selected for our talent development programme and focus on them cementing connections with our international delegation. In 2026, this successful approach will be combined with our pioneering conference and a range of pop-up activities, offering industry professionals and music makers of all genres, a platform to develop opportunities.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, says: “Over many years, Wide Days earned its reputation as a key destination event on the Scottish music calendar for artists, audiences and industry alike. With its parent organisation Wide Events now receiving three-year support of Scottish Government funding through Creative Scotland’s Multi Year Funding programme, the return of Wide Days in 2026 is a shot in the arm for our music sector.
“The conference provides expert advice for emerging acts putting their first foot on the career ladder and keeps established artists up to date with industry trends. Meanwhile, the showcase gigs bring exciting acts face to face with new audiences from home and industry delegates from around the world. With a sharper focus on talent development, Wide Days 2026 is ready to nurture the next generation of Scotland’s music.”
